Wilko: Love And Death And Rock 'N' Roll

at Palace Theatre: Southend-on-Sea
Westcliff-on-Sea Available until Sat 17 Oct

Book Wilko: Love And Death And Rock 'N' Roll tickets & see live theatre and music in Southend

Discover the remarkable true story of Wilko Johnson, the iconic rock star and founder of legendary Essex band Dr Feelgood, in Jonathan Maitland’s critically acclaimed play with live music.

  • Follow Wilko Johnson’s extraordinary story from a devastating diagnosis to an astonishing turn of events
  • Experience a critically acclaimed play powered by live music
  • See a different special guest join the cast band at the finale of each show
  • Catch the production in Southend following runs at Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch, Southwark Playhouse and London’s West End
  • Choose the opening performance for a post-show Q&A with writer Jonathan Maitland and Charlie Chan

Raw, poignant and filled with music, Wilko: Love And Death And Rock 'N' Roll celebrates a remarkable life and a refusal to let devastating news decide how that life should be lived.

See Wilko: Love And Death And Rock 'N' Roll at Palace Theatre

  • Dates: 12th October 2026 - 17th October 2026
  • Venue: Palace Theatre, 430 London Road, Southend-on-Sea SS0 9LA
  • Performance Space: Main Auditorium
  • Age Guidance: The official event page does not publish specific age guidance
  • Duration: The official event page does not publish a running time
  • Tickets Include: Admission, reserved seating, the play with live music and the special guest finale for your selected performance

Live music, special guests & one extraordinary true story take centre stage

In 2012, Wilko Johnson was told he had inoperable cancer and a year to live. Refusing treatment, he decided to spend his remaining time meaningfully, returning to the people, places and things that mattered most throughout his life.

Then, something extraordinary happened. Jonathan Maitland’s play brings Wilko’s story to the stage, exploring the life of the influential musician through drama and live music.

The production comes to Southend following its initial run at Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch in 2024 and appearances at Southwark Playhouse and Leicester Square Theatre in London’s West End.

Each performance ends with a special guest joining the cast band. Guests across the run include Simon Johnson, Norman Watt-Roy, Ruts DC, Johnny Squirrel, Steve “West” Weston, Nine Below Zero, Jeff Chapman, Malcolm Wilkinson and Billy Bragg.

Book Wilko: Love And Death And Rock 'N' Roll tickets today and see the remarkable story of an Essex music icon brought home to the stage in Southend.

Location

Palace Theatre

430 London Rd,
Westcliff-on-Sea,
Southend-on-Sea,
SS0 9LA
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How to find us

Palace Theatre is located at 430 London Road, Westcliff-on-Sea SS0 9LA.

  • By car: Use postcode SS0 9LA for sat nav. The theatre has no official car park. Nearby options include the London Road and Hamlet Court Road car park and Ceylon Road car park, both approximately a 10-minute walk away.
  • By train: Westcliff railway station is the nearest station and is approximately a 20-minute walk from Palace Theatre.
  • By bus: A bus stop is immediately outside the main entrance and is served by frequent First Bus and Arriva services.
  • By foot: Palace Theatre is on London Road in Westcliff-on-Sea. Please note that there is no dropped kerb immediately outside the venue.
Facilities
  • Main auditorium
  • Dixon Studio
  • Flat-floor entrance access
  • Automatic sliding entrance doors
  • Accessible toilet opposite the main auditorium entrance
  • Accessible toilet upstairs near the Dixon Studio
  • Lift serving the Dixon Studio
  • Dedicated wheelchair spaces in the main auditorium
  • Two wheelchair spaces and companion seating in the Dixon Studio
  • Infrared hearing assistance system
  • Assistance dogs welcome
  • Visual story available
  • Bus stop immediately outside the main entrance
  • Nearby council-managed parking
More Info
Is Palace Theatre Southend wheelchair accessible?

Palace Theatre Southend has flat-floor entrance access, automatic sliding doors and dedicated wheelchair spaces. There are two spaces on the left of the main auditorium and one beside the sound desk in the back row of the rear stalls. A platform lift provides access to the Dixon Studio, where two wheelchair users and their companions can be accommodated.

What age is Palace Theatre Southend suitable for?

Palace Theatre Southend presents shows for different audiences, so age guidance varies by production. Check the individual event listing before booking.

Does Palace Theatre Southend offer carer tickets? If so, how do I book a carer ticket?

Access tickets, including tickets for essential companions, must be booked directly with the Box Office. Call 0343 310 0030 between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Saturday, to discuss eligibility and access requirements.

Does Palace Theatre Southend have accessible toilets?

Yes. Palace Theatre Southend has one accessible toilet opposite the entrance to the main auditorium and another upstairs near the Dixon Studio.

Is there parking at Palace Theatre Southend?

Palace Theatre Southend does not have an official car park. London Road and Hamlet Court Road car park and Ceylon Road car park are approximately a 10-minute walk towards the town centre.

What is the nearest train station to Palace Theatre Southend?

Westcliff railway station is the nearest station to Palace Theatre Southend and is approximately a 20-minute walk from the venue.

Does Palace Theatre Southend offer accessible performances?

Yes. Selected productions at Palace Theatre Southend may offer BSL interpretation, captions, signing or relaxed performances. Availability varies by show, so check the individual event listing or contact the Box Office.

Are these the cheapest tickets for Palace Theatre in Southend?

Yes, we guarantee price match or better. If you can find them cheaper, we want to match it so please get in touch here.

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